U.S. soldiers need blood donors: Asking for Type O to help save lives of battlefield victims

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | Thursday, August 7, 2003

[JohnHuang2]

The U.S. military has a critical need for Type O blood donors to help save the lives of battlefield injury victims.

"Type O donors are the first line of defense for trauma victims," said Air Force Lt. Col. Ruth Sylvester, director of the Armed Services Blood Program, according to a news release from the Army Surgeon General's office.

Sylvester explained that until a blood type can be verified, Type O blood is used to keep trauma victims alive. In an emergency, a battlefield injury victim can require more than 40 units of blood.

"Once their blood type is determined, type-specific blood is transfused," he said. "But without Type O blood available, many patients would never make it until the test results came back."

The Armed Services Blood Program said it also needs Type O blood to maintain its frozen blood reserve.

The military keeps a supply of frozen red blood cells to use when fresh blood is not immediately available. Frozen blood can be safely stored for up to 10 years.

The current need is acute, Sylvester said, because military blood donor centers can only collect blood from active duty service members, government employees, retirees and military family members.

Many veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom cannot donate blood for a year because they served in areas where malaria is endemic.

"We're always thankful to our donors," Sylvester said. "We know that blood donations save lives every day. Repeat donors and those who ask that we call them when their blood type is needed help ensure we have a consistent supply of all blood types. They're literally lifesavers when an urgent need arises."

Blood program officials encourage potential donors or those who could sponsor a group blood drive to contact their local military blood collection facility.

[WaterDragon]

I have the 'universal donor' blood type, but a childhood bout of hepatitis absolutely prevents me from donating. Believe me, I would, if I could. My daughter who has the same blood type has donated on a regular schedule for years.

[mbynack]

I didn't realize I was disqualified until my wife and I tried to donate on 9/11. We lived in Germany for 6 years.

[boxerblues]

That pretty much covers just about anyone who has done no overseas travel at all

[boxerblues]

That pretty much covers just about anyone who has done no overseas travel at all

[Eagle Eye]

Eliminating everyone in that class because transmission of a disease that has never happened via that route cannot be ruled out conclusively is not, imo, sound risk management.

But after the way the Red Cross handled the 911 donations, I no longer have confidence in their practices and consider E. Dole's role there a liability for her instead of an asset.

[SLB]

I am also caught in this. I have spent 6+ years in Germany since 1975. (Three from 1975 -1978 and then three more from 1981 until 1983). I have donated over 8 gallons, but no more. My church is sponsoring a blood drive today, I am going by to help with the tear down after work this evening since I cannot donate.

[So Cal Rocket]

I gave yesterday... Come on Freepers, let's help our young men and women who are putting their lives on the line for us. Spread the word, use your ping lists!

[boxerblues]

I refuse to give money to any charity associated with United Way, but I will give the Red Cross my blood.

[T Minus Four]

...which begs the question: Are Europeans barred from donating blood for local use?

[boxerblues]

No answer here, Im just a local who has never traveled outside of the US

[Eagle Eye]

I'm not sure what the American Red Cross says about that...

[OpusatFR]

Darn. I still have seven months to go...! Maybe they could still take it?

[xzins]

The Walking Blood Supply

This is precisely why permitting homosexuals in the military is such a danger. They are far more likely, with their mega-multiple partners per year, to be carriers of various blood-borne diseases....all the way up to HIV/AIDS.

When blood is needed on the battlefield, the military turns to its own troops.

Even if homosexuals refused to offer blood, then morale would be undermined by the idea that "My blood can save you, but if I take yours, it could kill me."

Likewise, in first aid on the battlefield, if I help you I risk contact with your blood, AND if you help me, I risk contact with your blood. Morale is undercut at a crucial time in the life-saving system.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Type O positive cannot be used in a person with negative rH factor.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

When in doubt, go directly to the source.

Donor Information: Armed Services Blood Program

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Where to Give: Armed Services Blood Program

[Dante3]

bttt

[T Minus Four]

Hmmm, I wonder why there isn't a donation center here at Hill AFB in Utah.

[NYFriend]

Look, I've got a few good reasons why the military should not have allowed gays to join or remain in. Basically, it hurts morale because tha majority of the people who join the military disaprove of that choice of lifestyle.

But, as far as multiple partners, etc, what about the reality that some soldiers, sailors and marines visit prostitutes, even when in countries with high HIV infection rates. Do you want to go out and find (and then discharge) serviceman who visited a prostitute outside of Western Europe or the U.S. because there is a chance they were exposed to HIV, or have demonstrated a propensity for a behavior that greatly increases their risk of getting AIDS?

[xzins]

It's a matter of probability. There is an extremely low risk of female to male transmission of HIV because there is no transfer of blood product.

That is not true of male homosexuality (and only males are combatants on the battlefield.) There is direct transfer of blood product with each and every sex act since semen is a blood product.

That fact, coupled with the mega-multiple sex partners that homosexuals have each year (as many as 150+ in some instances), the probability of infection is far higher in those who practice male on male sex. This statistic is clearly verified in that, even now, approximately 90% of all HIV positive individuals are those who have practiced male on male sex.